Tennessee Tourism By The Numbers

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Chase Rice plays to packed crowds at CMA Music Festival 2015. Photo: CMA

Chase Rice plays to packed crowds at CMA Music Festival 2015. The fest generated a record $46.8 million in direct visitor spending, an increase of $7.5 million over last year, according to NCVC. Daily attendance was record-setting 87,680 fans, besting 2014 by 9.6 percent. Photo: CMA

Nashville Tourism By The Numbers

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) has shared new statistics about 2014:

$5.43 billion—direct visitor spending in Davidson County in 2014, compared to $4.99 billion in 2013

31.5 percent—percentage of Tennessee’s total visitor spending which happens in Nashville

13.1 million—total visitation to Nashville in 2014, up from 12.2 million in 2013

$259.17 million—state tax revenue generated by direct visitor spending for 2014, up 10.4 percent

$137.41 million—local tax revenues, up 8.8 percent

57,400—Davidson County employs in tourism-related fields

$49,882,792—hotel occupancy tax collections, up 24.1 percent over 2013

“In 2003 we set a goal, to be a $5 billion a year industry by 2015. To realize we have reached that goal one year early is incredibly exciting,” said Ken Levitan, chairman of the NCVC board of directors. “We should celebrate our accomplishments, but our next challenge will be maintaining that level of success by continuing to allow our product to evolve while protecting our authenticity. I have no doubt we can continue our success if we work together as an industry and as a community.”

The NCVC attributes Nashville’s success as a destination to signature events such as the CMA Music Fest, Bonnaroo, New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July celebrations, as well as reaching new audiences via strategic partnerships with Bon Appetit, Sports Illustrated and GQ, and new offerings such as the Music City Center, Music City Food + Wine, Live on the Green and Ascend Amphitheater.

Tennessee Tourism By The Numbers

Additionally, Governor Bill Haslam and Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, announced state-wide statistics, according to the 2014 Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee as reported by U.S. Travel Association:

$17.7 billion—direct domestic and international travel expenditures in 2014, up 6.3 percent, an all-time high for the state

152,900—tourism-generated jobs for Tennesseans, up 2.8 percent

$1.5 billion—state and local sales tax tourism revenue, up 7 percent

101.3 million—people who traveled to Tennessee, up 5.1 percent increase, topping 100 million for the first time

3—number of counties (Davidson, Shelby, Sevier) receiving more than $1 billion in economic impact

Top 10—Tennessee is one of the Top 10 destinations for U.S. travel

8.5 out of 10—Tennessee’s customer satisfaction rating

“Tourists are drawn to Tennessee for our world-renown music, outstanding attractions, stunning scenic beauty,” Triplett said. “But, at the end of the day, people keep coming to Tennessee for our authenticity and exceptional, Southern hospitality. That is the ‘made in Tennessee’ brand delivered to our visitors every day by our communities and partners.”

SESAC Inks Green Day

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Green DayGrammy Award-winning and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Green Day has signed with performing rights organization SESAC for representation.

Consisting of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool, the American punk band is known for “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “American Idiot,” “Know Your Enemy,” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” and has sold more than 75 million albums.

“Green Day is an iconic band that has created important, diverse and unforgettable records,” said John Josephson, Chairman and CEO, SESAC. “Billie Joe, Mike and Tre are phenomenal songwriters and musicians whose influence on the musical landscape is immeasurable. We are thrilled and humbled to welcome them to the SESAC family.”

“We are thrilled to be signed to SESAC and excited to partner with them for the next phase of our musical adventure,” the band said in a statement.

Steven Tyler Added to Franklin, Tenn. Festival feat. Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow

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Steven Tyler. Photo: Zack Whitford

Steven Tyler. Photo: Zack Whitford

Franklin, Tenn.’s inaugural Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has added Steven Tyler to its lineup of performers. Tyler will perform with Nashville-based band, Loving Mary.

Willie Nelson, Wilco, Weezer, Sheryl Crow, Chris Stapleton, John & Jacob, Nikki Lane, Cage the Elephant, Iron & Wine, Punch Brothers, Holly Williams, and more have been previously announced for the Sept. 26-27 event at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm (lineup below).

Benefiting the City of Franklin, Franklin Parks and MusiCares, the two-day event will feature music, food, and culture set against the natural amphitheaters of the former walking horse farm. Food and beverage participants will be announced this summer.

In addition to artists performing their own sets, Pilgrimage will feature Pilgri-mashups where one-of-a-kind pairings of musicians collaborate with one another on stage as well as the first-ever Kitchen Stage and Sippin’ Stage and Little Pilgrim’s Landing specifically for kids.

Single Day tickets are available for $92. Two-day passes are $172 (VIP $499). Children under 10 get in free when accompanied by an adult ticket. Click here to order.

The festival recently announced the lineup for the Hohner’s Little Pilgrim’s Family Stage which features performances by Ralph’s World, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Jazzy Ash & The Leaping Lizards, Farmer Jason, Casey Campell, Laura Doherty, and a special performance by Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers aboard the Pilgrimage Pirate Ship.

Saturday, Sept 26, 2015
Wilco
Weezer
Sheryl Crow
Cage The Elephant
Neko Case
Iron & Wine
Dr. John
Punch Brothers
Trampled By Turtles
Saint Motel
Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear
Joe Pug
Holly Williams
Will Hoge
ELEL
Guthrie Brown & The Family Tree
Kingfish

Sunday, Sept 27, 2015
Steven Tyler
Willie Nelson
The Decemberists
Band of Horses
Jimmy Cliff
Dawes
St. Paul & The Broken Bones
Chris Stapleton
The Lone Bellow
Lucius
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires
Nikki Lane
Big Sam’s Funky Nation
John & Jacob
The Grand Southern
NAWAS

Artist Updates: Drake White, Dolly Parton, Bonnaroo

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Drake White. Photo: David McClister

Drake White. Photo: David McClister

Drake White Joins ZBB Tour

DOT/BMLG artist Drake White and The Big Fire has been selected by both Little Big Town and now Zac Brown Band for opening slots on both tours this fall. White will begin his run of of 11 tour dates with ZBB’s Jekyll+Hyde Tour Friday, Aug. 21 at New York City’s Citi Field. White was previously added to dates on Little Big Town’s Pain Killer Tour.

When not on tour, White is in the studio with producers Ross Copperman and Jeremy Stover working on his debut album, which is planned for an early 2016 release.

 

‘Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors’ Gets Air Date

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Dolly Parton

NBC will air the holiday film Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 9 p.m. ET.

The movie is set in Tennessee’s Great Smokey Mountains in 1955 and serves as a family-oriented story about events in Dolly and her family’s lives. Recently announced cast members include Jennifer Nettles in the role of Parton’s mother, Avie Lee Parton. Gerald McRaney will portray Grandpa Jake Owens, while Ricky Shroder will portray Dolly’s father, Lee Parton.

 

Dates Set For Bonnaroo 2016

bonnarooOrganizers have announced that the 2016 Bonnaroo Music Festival will be held June 9-12. The festival is held each year in Manchester, Tenn., and will celebrate its 15th year in 2016. The performance lineup is slated to be revealed early next year.

United Talent Agency Eyes The Agency Group

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United Talent Agency is in negotiations to acquire The Agency Group, according to Billboard.

UTA has a solid film and television roster, including Johnny Depp, John Cusack, Kevin Hart, Sigourney Weaver, Seth Rogen, and Will Ferrell, but its music division could use a boost, particularly after the exit of a few notable pop/rock clients earlier this year.

In recent years TAG, headed by CEO Gavin O’Reilly, has been on an acquisition spree, which could prime it for purchase.

TAG’s Nashville office, run by Nick Meinema, boosted its roster in 2014 when it purchased The Bobby Roberts Company. Additionally, the company has been building its divisions focused on branding, EDM, Latin, casino, college and corporate events.

Today, the local office represents Aaron Tippin, Aubrie Sellers, Austin Webb, Benton Blount, Bill Anderson, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, BJ Thomas, Blackjack Billy, Bobby Bare, Casey Jamerson, Chris Janson, Collin Raye, Confederate Railroad, Connie Smith, Cowboy Troy, Dallas Smith, Dean Brody, Deana Carter, High Valley, Jaida Dreyer, James Otto, John Anderson, John Conlee, John Michael Montgomery, Kentucky Headhunters, Kevin Costner & Modern West, Lenny Cooper, The Lacs, Logan Brill, Marty Stuart, Mel Tillis, Merle Haggard, Pam Tillis, Pauly Shore, Restless Heart, Sam Lewis, Sammy Kershaw, Sarah Ross, Sundy Best, Taylor Hicks, and Walker McGuire. 

TAG is also home to the Black Keys, Guns N’ Roses, Muse, Paramore, Nickelback and many more.

Photo from The Agency Gruop's 2014 acquistion of The Bobby Roberts Company. Pictured (L-R): Travis James, Gavin O’Reilly, Bobby Roberts, Nick Meinema, and Lance Roberts.

Photo from The Agency Group’s 2014 acquisition of The Bobby Roberts Company. Pictured (L-R): Travis James, Gavin O’Reilly, Bobby Roberts, Nick Meinema, and Lance Roberts.

Brad Paisley Teams With IMG College, Zaxby’s For Tour

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Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley has announced the Country Nation College Tour Presented by Zaxby’s. He will take his show on the road to select IMG College partner universities to provide free entertainment for the campus community. IMG College, serving more than 200 universities nationwide, is a division of WME | IMG, which also represents Paisley and brokered the college tour deal.

The first show is scheduled for Sept. 6 at the Virginia Tech campus is Blacksburg, Va. Eric Paslay will open the show on this date.

The Country Nation College Tour Presented by Zaxby’s will also see Paisley play on Sept. 10 at the University of Texas with Pat Green, on Sept. 11 at Baylor University and Sept. 12 at The University of Arkansas. Both the Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 shows will include special guest duo The Raging Idiots, which features Bobby Bones and Eddie from iHeartMedia’s national country radio program The Bobby Bones Show.

“Music and sports are passions of so many people—Zaxby’s included—and we couldn’t think of a better way to unite the two this fall,” said Zaxby’s CEO and co-founder Zach McLeroy. “We’re even more passionate about the guests and communities we serve, and this sponsorship is a perfect opportunity for us to give back to our fans.”

The tour is named after Paisley next single, “Country Nation,” from his current album Moonshine in the Trunk.  The tune, penned by Paisley and longtime collaborators Kelley Lovelace and Chris DuBois, manages to include shout outs to 18 college sports mascots. “Country Nation”  will be shipped to country radio on Aug. 31 with an airplay impact date of Sept. 14.

Jake Owen Partners With Lifestyle Brand Salt Life

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Jake Owen with Salt Life president

Jake Owen with Salt Life president Jeff Stillwell

Jake Owen is expanding his beach loving musician image via a new multi-year partnership with popular lifestyle and beach apparel brand Salt Life.

The cross-promotional partnership will incorporate a Jake Owen signature collection of casual apparel. Additionally, Salt Life has signed on as one of the singer-songwriter’s tour sponsors. Owen joins a team of athletes, including Cameron Kirkconnell, Timmy Curran, Captain Jimmy Nelson, Blake Koch, Sarah Jarrett, and Max Fleming, who endorse the Salt Life lifestyle.

Depictions of “salt life” living have become a mainstay theme in Owen’s music videos and stage shows. Owen’s coastal-themed Days of Gold Tour brought a decidedly beachy vibe to more than 50 cities in 2014. Meanwhile, some of his most well-known hits, such as “Beachin'” and “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” further exemplify the Vero Beach, Fla., native’s love of sand and surf.

Salt Life launched in 2006, and brings in more than $30 million in sales through distribution deals with sporting good retailers, specialty shops, department stores and surf shops.

“I have been a fan of what the brand has to offer for quite a while. It complements the life I live,” Owen says. “I grew up on the water in Vero Beach, Florida and if I am not on stage you can usually find me on the water. I am a big clothing guy and I do enjoy getting dressed up,” he continues. “I have to say I am most comfortable in board shorts, T-shirts and some flip-flops. The Salt Life relationship is a natural extension of who I am and I am really looking forward to working on the design of my collection and getting to know some of the other team members. I am a fan of a lot of them already.”

Salt Life President Jeff Stillwell states, “We are excited to welcome Jake to our team here at Salt Life. We have a number of tremendous athletes on our team and thought it was time to add some music to it as well. Music is the ultimate connector, especially with the Salt Life lifestyle. Jake’s music exemplifies our brand and we look forward to a very successful relationship with him.”

In the video below, watch Owen and Stillwell discuss their love of growing up while “living the Salt Life.”

Maddie & Tae Prep Debut Album After Platinum Success

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Pictured (L-R): Back: Dot Records Michelle Kammerer, Kris Lamb, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Dot Records Chris Stacey, Bernadette Gibbons; Front: Dot Records Mallory Allgood, Maddie Marlow, Tae Dye, Dot Records Brooke Nixon. Photo: Getty Images for Dot Records

Pictured (L-R): Back: Dot Records’ Michelle Kammerer, Kris Lamb, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Dot Records’ Chris Stacey, Bernadette Gibbons. Front: Dot Records’ Mallory Allgood, Maddie Marlow, Tae Dye, Dot Records’ Brooke Nixon. Photo: Getty Images for Dot Records

Yesterday (Aug. 18), Big Machine Label Group founder/CEO/pres. Scott Borchetta welcomed a crowd of industry and media to Nashville’s The Cordelle for a five-song set from newcomers Maddie & Tae in promotion of the duo’s forthcoming debut album, Start Here.

“Nashville is the best at artist development,” said Borchetta. “It’s so hard to cut through.” Once Mike Molinar, vice president of Big Machine Music Publishing, pitched the duo he had been developing along with their catchy tune “Girl In A Country Song,” Borchetta was hooked.

Maddie Marlow and Tae Dye ended up as the first act signed to their newly formed imprint Dot Records, releasing “Girl In A Country Song.” At the album party, the duo was surprised with a pair of platinum plaques in honor of the million-selling achievement of the single. General manager Chris Stacey delivered the news. “As proud as I am that this is your first No. 1, I’m sure it’s not going to be your only,” he said after a performance of the hit single.

Although standout tracks “Waitin’ On A Plane” and “Smoke” were not highlighted in the five-song acoustic set, the girls’ songwriting was on full display.

“At a time when so much focus is on other things, these girls seem to really focus on the music,” said country star and surprise guest Lee Ann Womack. Maddie gushed about her idol, whose hometown was three hours north of Marlow’s in Texas. She talked about waiting for CMT to play Womack’s “I Hope You Dance” video every morning before school. When the two began commuting to Nashville, they would pass Little Rock, Ark. and started singing “Little Past Little Rock,” which the two invited Womack to lead.

Pictured (L-R): Maddie, Lee Ann Woamck, Tae. Photo: Getty Images for Dot.

Pictured (L-R): Maddie Marlow, Lee Ann Womack, Tae Dye. Photo: Getty Images for Dot.

Additional tracks performed included “Shut Up And Fish,” (written when the girls were 15), “Downside of Growing Up,” (Maddie’s favorite) and “Sierra” (about the other girl), which has been available since November 2014.

“We write real music, and we are thankful Dot Records got behind us,” said the girls.

The full length album, Start Here, hits retail shelves Aug. 28. Before then, the newcomers will be making many press appearances including a TODAY visit on Sept. 1. They are also continuing their stint on Dierks Bentley’s Sounds of Summer Tour before embarking on their headlining Start Here Tour kicking off Oct. 7 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.

In Pictures: Kenny Chesney, Cam, Steven Tyler, Maddie & Tae

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Kenny Chesney brought his Big Revival Tour to New Jersey this past Saturday (Aug. 15) where a packed MetLife Stadium crowd also included special guests from iHeartMedia.

Pictured (L-R):  Morris Higham Management’s Basak Kizilisik and Buffy Cooper; iHeartMedia’s newly named leader of its iHeartCountry team, Rod Phillips; Chesney; Tom Poleman, President of Nat’l Programming Platforms, iHeartMedia; Tom’s wife; and iHeart’s VP Artist Relations Marissa Morris and Hot AC Brand Mgr/Nat’l Programming Platforms/ PD of New York’s 103.5 KTU Rob Miller.

Pictured (L-R):  Morris Higham Management’s Basak Kizilisik and Buffy Cooper; iHeartMedia’s newly named leader of its iHeartCountry team, Rod Phillips; Chesney; Tom Poleman, President of Nat’l Programming Platforms, iHeartMedia; Tom’s wife; and iHeart’s VP Artist Relations Marissa Morris and Hot AC Brand Mgr/Nat’l Programming Platforms/ PD of New York’s 103.5 KTU Rob Miller.

 

Arista Nashville artist Cam performed during the WSIX/Nashville annual Guitar-B-Que event, held at Loser’s in Nashville on Aug. 12.

Pictured (back, L-R): Michael Bryan, iHeartMedia Nashville SVP/Programming; Cam; The Bobby Bones Show’s Bobby Bones; iHeartMedia’s newly named leader of its iHeartCountry team, Rod Phillips; and (front, L-R): WSIX MD/Dir. Promotions Kimsey Kerr, and WSIX’s Amy Paige.

Pictured (back, L-R): Michael Bryan, iHeartMedia Nashville SVP/Programming; Cam; The Bobby Bones Show’s Bobby Bones; iHeartMedia’s newly named leader of its iHeartCountry team, Rod Phillips; and (front, L-R): WSIX MD/Dir. Promotions Kimsey Kerr, and WSIX’s Amy Paige.

 

Dot Records recording artists Steven Tyler and Maddie & Tae pose on Broadway before heading into last night’s Rolling Stone Country party at ACME Feed and Seed.

BMLG Steven Tyler Maddie and Tae

MusicRowPics: Ricky Gunn

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RickyGunn1

Gunn performs in the MusicRow conference room.

Ricky Gunn visited the MusicRow offices recently to perform songs from his full-length debut album King of this Town, including his current single “Livin’ Like Me.” The album was recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studio.

Gunn’s life changed forever when his grandfather gave him an acoustic guitar and taught him three basic chords. Since then, the Columbus, Ga., native has been honing his craft for more than 16 years, taking it to the next level as a full-time career a decade ago. All the while, he has been climbing toward success, earning opening spots for Travis Tritt, Tyler Farr and Gary Allan, as well as trophies from the Georgia Music Awards, and a spot on the first season of Nashville Star.

Gunn plays about 100 dates per year, and was such a hit during the 2015 CMA Music Festival during his performance at Hard Rock Café, the venue invited him back. In fact, that is where he headed right after his visit to MusicRow. His busy touring schedule also helped him earn a sponsorship from 8 Seconds Canadian Whisky, so he brought a bottle to share with the staff.

RickyGunn2

Gunn and his band visit MusicRow staffers.